Pilots association accepting grant applications

Published: Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, April 19, 2013 at 6:20 p.m.

The Western North Carolina Pilots Association is trying to help people who have a serious desire to fly. Two years ago, the group organized a grant that would aid people financially. They’ve given out three grants, but this year applications aren’t coming in for the free money, group member Ann Osmer said.

In 2011, the group awarded a grant for $1,500. Last year, they handed out two grants worth $1,500 apiece.

The grant, offered through the Western North Carolina Pilots Association Education Foundation, is to to help a pilot with educational fees and other costs that come with learning to fly.

It isn’t cheap to learn how to fly a plane, especially with expensive gas prices.

“This is why the organization is trying to help people out,” Osmer said.

Applicants have to be serious about flying, however, as Osmer said the money isn’t for the casual person who wants to see if flying is fun, or to fund a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Instead, the grant money is geared toward people who want to accumulate the hours needed to earn their pilot’s license. To prove that, applicants need a recommendation from their flight instructor or show proof that they’ve passed their FAA written exam.

Applicants must live in Western North Carolina and be at least 17 years old. Those who are 17 must also include their parents’ signed permission to apply.

There is no application for the grant money. Instead, those interested should submit the following materials to the foundation: two letters of recommendation, a statement of interest in obtaining a specific FAA certificate or rating, accomplishments to date in pursuing flying goals, the need for the grant, and other interests or achievements that directly support the application.

The deadline is April 30. Grants are paid to instructors and flight schools and not directly to the recipient, who will be chosen by a selection committee that reviews applications and could request to see additional information.

<p>The Western North Carolina Pilots Association is trying to help people who have a serious desire to fly. Two years ago, the group organized a grant that would aid people financially. They've given out three grants, but this year applications aren't coming in for the free money, group member Ann Osmer said. </p><p>In 2011, the group awarded a grant for $1,500. Last year, they handed out two grants worth $1,500 apiece. </p><p>The grant, offered through the Western North Carolina Pilots Association Education Foundation, is to to help a pilot with educational fees and other costs that come with learning to fly. </p><p>It isn't cheap to learn how to fly a plane, especially with expensive gas prices. </p><p>“This is why the organization is trying to help people out,” Osmer said.</p><p>Applicants have to be serious about flying, however, as Osmer said the money isn't for the casual person who wants to see if flying is fun, or to fund a spur-of-the-moment decision. </p><p>Instead, the grant money is geared toward people who want to accumulate the hours needed to earn their pilot's license. To prove that, applicants need a recommendation from their flight instructor or show proof that they've passed their FAA written exam. </p><p>Applicants must live in Western North Carolina and be at least 17 years old. Those who are 17 must also include their parents' signed permission to apply. </p><p>There is no application for the grant money. Instead, those interested should submit the following materials to the foundation: two letters of recommendation, a statement of interest in obtaining a specific FAA certificate or rating, accomplishments to date in pursuing flying goals, the need for the grant, and other interests or achievements that directly support the application. </p><p>The deadline is April 30. Grants are paid to instructors and flight schools and not directly to the recipient, who will be chosen by a selection committee that reviews applications and could request to see additional information. </p><p>A recipient will be chosen before June 30. </p><p>Send all application materials to WNCPA Education Foundation Inc., c/o Dr. Ruffin Benton, at 116 Ridgewood Pl. Brevard, NC 28712.</p><p>Reach Millwood at 828-694-7881 or at joey.millwood@blueridgenow.com.</p>